A nonvolatile memory card, including interface parts for plural kinds of memory cards; interface controllers corresponding to the interface parts for corresponding memory cards; and a switch configured to select a single one of the interface controllers.
|
6. A configuration conversion adapter, comprising:
a switch selector which controls a switch of a nonvolatile memory card;
the nonvolatile memory card including:
interface parts for plural kinds of memory cards; and
interface controllers corresponding to the interface parts for corresponding memory cards;
wherein the switch selects a single interface controller.
1. A nonvolatile memory card, comprising:
interface parts for plural kinds of memory cards;
interface controllers corresponding to the interface parts for corresponding memory cards;
a switch which selects a single one of the interface controllers; and
a protection plate for at least a single one of the interface parts;
wherein at least a single setting portion of the plural kinds of the interface parts is hollowed out from a surface of a main body of the memory card.
7. A configuration conversion adapter, comprising:
a cut-off part which receives a claw hook projection for assisting attachment or detachment of an interface part for a certain kind of a memory card;
wherein the adapter is used for an interface part for a different kind of the memory card of a nonvolatile memory card, the nonvolatile memory card including:
interface parts for plural kinds of memory cards;
interface controllers corresponding to the interface parts for corresponding memory cards; and
a switch which selects a single interface controller.
5. A configuration conversion adapter, comprising:
a cut-off part which exposes a claw hook concave part when a nonvolatile memory card is inserted;
the nonvolatile memory card including:
interface parts for plural kinds of memory cards;
interface controllers corresponding to the interface parts for corresponding memory cards; and
a switch which selects a single interface controller;
wherein at least a single setting portion of the plural kinds of the interface parts is hollowed out from a surface of a main body of the memory card, and
a concave part is formed on a surface so that the main body of the memory card can be taken in or out of a configuration conversion adapter at the time of use.
2. The nonvolatile memory card as claimed in
wherein the protection plate is slid by manual force so that the interface part is exposed or hidden.
3. The nonvolatile memory card as claimed in
wherein the protection plate is slid by an internal structure of a configuration conversion adapter and exposes the interface when a main body of the memory card is inserted in the configuration conversion adapter; and
the protection plate is energized by the protection plate itself and an upper surface of the main body of the memory card so as to hide the interface when the main body of the memory card is not inserted in the configuration conversion adapter.
4. The nonvolatile memory card as claimed in
wherein a concave part is formed on a surface of a main body of the memory card so that the memory card can be taken in or out of a configuration conversion adapter at the time of use.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The present invention relates to nonvolatile memory cards and configuration conversion adapters.
A nonvolatile memory card having a flash memory or the like has been used as information transmission means in digital equipment such as a portable phone, digital camera, PC (Personal Computer) and printer.
For example, Multi Media Card (Registered Trademark), SD Card (Registered Trademark), Mini SD Card (Registered Trademark), xD-Picture Card (Registered Trademark), Memory Stick (Registered Trademark), Compact Flash (Registered Trademark), Micro SD (Registered Trademark), Trans Flash (Registered Trademark), Memory Stick Pro (Registered Trademark), Memory Stick Duo (Registered Trademark), Memory Stick Pro Duo (Registered Trademark), and others are used as the nonvolatile memory card.
However, the nonvolatile memory cards do not have mutual compatibilities in control method, communication method, electric properties, card insert stand configuration, and others. Hence, a certain nonvolatile memory card cannot be used in the card insert stand prepared for another nonvolatile memory card.
More specifically, a conventional nonvolatile memory card has only a single nonvolatile memory card controller and does not have compatibility with a nonvolatile memory card host controller of a different standard. Accordingly, the conventional nonvolatile memory card does not have a nonvolatile memory card controller switch. In addition, the conventional nonvolatile memory card has only a single kind of interface.
Furthermore, only is a nonvolatile memory card having a certain configuration can be inserted in a card insert stand of a host device of a nonvolatile memory card having a certain standard.
Therefore, even if configuration compatibility for a nonvolatile memory card is achieved by using a configuration conversion adapter and thereby the card can be inserted in the card insert stand of the nonvolatile memory card host device having a certain standard, when standards such as control methods, communication methods, electric properties, or the like are different, it is not possible for the nonvolatile memory card to perform data transmission with the nonvolatile memory card host device.
Japanese Laid Open Patent Application Publication No. 2002-32715 discloses an adapter where plural kinds of memory cards can be exclusively loaded. A device selecting the memory card is not loaded in the adapter. Japanese Laid Open Patent Application Publication No. 2003-196603 discloses a button type card taking-put mechanism. Japanese Laid Open Patent Application Publication No. 2002-73522 discloses an interface conversion of a small size memory card. Japanese Laid Open Patent Application Publication No. 2003-186582 discloses card detection and card recognition of a PC card. Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 312396 discloses a memory adapter. The adapter does not have a device configured to switch a memory card controller of a memory card.
Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a novel and useful nonvolatile memory card and configuration conversion adapter solving one or more of the problems discussed above.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an integrated memory card which can be used in the host device of plural kinds of memory cards by using a configuration conversion adapter.
An embodiment of the present invention is achieved by a nonvolatile memory card, including: interface parts for plural kinds of memory cards; interface controllers corresponding to the interface parts for corresponding memory cards; and a switch configured to select a single one of the interface controllers.
In The nonvolatile memory card, at least a single setting portion of the plural kinds of the interface parts may be hollowed out from a surface of a main body of the memory card.
The nonvolatile memory card may further include a protection plate for at least a single one of the interface parts; wherein the protection plate is slid by an internal structure of a configuration conversion adapter and exposes the interface when a main body of the memory card is inserted in the configuration conversion adapter; and the protection plate is energized by the protection plate itself and an upper surface of the main body of the memory card so as to hide the interface when the main body of the memory card is not inserted in the configuration conversion adapter.
A claw hook projection may be formed as corresponding to a cut-off part of a configuration conversion adapter; the configuration conversion adapter including: the cut-off part configured to receive the claw hook projection for assisting attachment or detachment of an interface part a certain kind of a memory card; wherein the adapter may be used for an interface part for a different kind of the memory card of the nonvolatile memory card; the nonvolatile memory card including: interface parts for plural kinds of memory cards; interface controllers corresponding to the interface parts for corresponding memory cards; and a switch configured to select a single one of the interface controllers.
An embodiment of the present invention is achieved by a configuration conversion adapter, including: a cut-off part configured to expose a claw hook concave part when a nonvolatile memory card is inserted; the nonvolatile memory card including interface parts for plural kinds of memory cards; interface controllers corresponding to the interface parts for corresponding memory cards; and a switch configured to select a single interface controller; wherein at least a single setting portion of the plural kinds of the interface parts is hollowed out from a surface of a main body of the memory card and a concave part is formed on a surface so that the main body of the memory card can be taken in or out of a configuration conversion adapter at the time of use.
An embodiment of the present invention is achieved by a configuration conversion adapter, including: a switch selector configured to control a switch of a nonvolatile memory card; the nonvolatile memory card including interface parts for plural kinds of memory cards; and interface controllers corresponding to the interface parts for corresponding memory cards; wherein the switch selects a single interface controller.
An embodiment of the present invention is achieved by a configuration conversion adapter, including: a cut-off part configured to receive a claw hook projection for assisting attachment or detachment of an interface part for a certain kind of a memory card; wherein the adapter is used for an interface part for a different kind of the memory card of a nonvolatile memory card; the nonvolatile memory card including: interface parts for plural kinds of memory cards; interface controllers corresponding to the interface parts for corresponding memory cards; and a switch configured to select a single interface controller.
According to the above-mentioned embodiments, it is possible to provide the integrated memory card which can be used in the host devices of plural kinds of memory cards by using the configuration conversion adapter.
By using the memory card and the configuration conversion adapter of the present invention, it is possible to use a single memory card in plural kinds of the host devices safely and easily.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
A description of the present invention and details of drawbacks of the related art are now given, with reference to
In addition, in the nonvolatile memory card 2 of the first embodiment of the present invention, an interface for an SD card and an interface for Memory Stick (MS) are provided on a rear part of the surface where the XD card interface 6 is provided. The interface for an SD card and the interface for a Memory Stick (MS) are formed by a common part as an SD·MS interface 4.
For convenience in the following explanation, the surface where the SD·MS interface 4 is provided is called an “upper surface” and the surface where the XD card interface is provided in called a “lower surface”. However, the present invention is not limited to this example.
In addition, in the following explanation, the XD card, SD card and MS are discussed for explaining examples of configurations of cards, configuration conversion adapters, and interfaces of memory cards of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to other card configurations, configuration conversion adapter, and combinations of the interfaces.
As discussed above, the configuration of the nonvolatile memory card 2 of the first embodiment of the present invention has compatibility with the XD card. Therefore, if a host device with an XD card slot (not shown) is provided at a lower part in
In addition, the SD·MS interface 4 is provided at an upper surface of the nonvolatile memory card 2 of the first embodiment of the present invention, as discussed above. Therefore, if a configuration conversion adapter having the configuration of either the SD card or MS is provided at a left side in
Here, the longitudinal direction of the SD·MS interface 4 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the XD card interface 6. Accordingly, the direction in which the nonvolatile memory card 2 is inserted in the XD card slot is perpendicular to the direction in which the nonvolatile memory card 2 is inserted in the configuration conversion adapter. See
While the SD·MS interface 4 is formed on a different surface from the XD card interface 6, the longitudinal direction of the SD·MS interface 4 may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the XD card interface 6. In this case, a configuration conversion adapter having the configuration of either an SD card or MS is provided in the lower part in
In the following explanation, a case where, as shown in
A nonvolatile memory 8 is provided inside of the nonvolatile memory card 2. Access (16, 18) to the nonvolatile memory 8 from the SD·MS interface 4 is controlled by the SD controller 10 or the MS controller 12. In addition, access 20 from the XD interface 6 to the nonvolatile memory 8 is controlled by the XD controller 14.
The nonvolatile memory card 2 includes an MS/XD interface switch 22 and an SD/XD interface switch 24. The MS/XD interface switch 22 switches the MS and the XD interfaces. The SD/XD interface switch 24 switches the SD and the XD interfaces. The switches 22 and 24 can be switched by the configuration conversion adapters 30 and 60 as shown in
As shown in FIG. 9-(1), the SD card conversion adapter 30 having the configuration of the SD card has an SD/XD interface switch elector 54. When the nonvolatile memory card 2 is inserted in the SD card conversion adapter 30, only the SD controller 10 is operated by a mutual operation of the SD/XD interface switch 24 and the SD/XD interface switch selector 54. In addition, as shown in FIG. 9-(2), the MS conversion adapter 60 having the configuration of the MS includes an MS/XD interface switch selector 56. When the nonvolatile memory card 2 is inserted in the MS conversion adapter 60, only the MS controller 12 is operated by a mutual operation of the MS/XD interface switch 22 and the MS/XD interface switch selector 56. In addition, as shown in FIG. 9-(3), in a state where the nonvolatile memory card 2 is not inserted in the configuration conversion adapter, a circuit is formed so that only the XD controller 14 is operated.
Therefore, in the nonvolatile memory card 2 of the first embodiment of the present invention, a proper control circuit is operated as corresponding to the way of use.
FIG. 4-(a) is an upper surface view and FIG. 4-(b) is a side surface view of the nonvolatile memory card 2 of the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4-(b), it is preferable that a contact part and edge part 26 of the SD·MS interface 4 be situated in a surface hollowed out from an upper surface of the nonvolatile memory card 2. Because of this structure, in a case where the nonvolatile memory card 2 is inserted in the XD card slot, the contact part of the SD·MS interface 4 is prevented from unnecessarily coming in contact with a metal part inside of the XD card slot.
FIG. 6-(a) is an upper surface view and FIG. 6-(b) is a side surface view of another modified example of the nonvolatile memory card 2 of the first embodiment of the present invention.
The structure shown in FIG. 6-(b′) is identical to the structure shown in FIG. 4-(b). Here, as shown in FIG. 6-(b), the contact part of the SD·MS interface 4 may be hollowed out from the upper surface of the nonvolatile memory card 2 and an edge part 36 of the contact part of the SD·MS interface 4 may be maintained even with the upper surface. Because of this structure, the strength of the entire of the nonvolatile memory card 2 can be maintained.
In addition, when the nonvolatile memory card 2 is inserted in the configuration conversion adapter (30, 60), the difference in level between the hollowed out part and a (non-hollowed out) edge part may be used as a hook. At this time, the nonvolatile memory card 2 is prevented from unintentionally pulled out from the configuration conversion adapter (30, 60).
As shown in FIG. 5-(1) and FIG. 5-(2), a protection plate 32 is provided in the SD·MS interface 4 of the nonvolatile memory card 2. The protection plate 32 can be slid on the upper surface of the nonvolatile memory card 2 so that the SD·MS interface 4 may be exposed as shown in FIG. 5-(1) and hidden as shown in FIG. 5-(2). The protection plate 32 may be slid by manual force.
When the nonvolatile memory card 2 is inserted in the configuration conversion adapter (30, 60), the protection plate 32 may be slid by an internal structure of the configuration conversion adapter (30, 60) so that the SD·MS interface 4 may be exposed as shown in FIG. 5-(1). When the nonvolatile memory card 2 is not inserted in the configuration conversion adapter (30, 60), the protection plate 32 may be energized by a structure of the upper surface of the nonvolatile memory card 2 and the protection plate 32 so that the SD·MS interface 4 may be hidden as shown in FIG. 5-(2).
As shown in FIG. 7-(1) and FIG. 7-(2), in the nonvolatile memory card 2 of the first embodiment of the present invention, claw hook concave parts 38a and 38b may be provided in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement going into or coming out from the configuration conversion adapters (30, 60). FIG. 7-(1) shows an upper surface of the nonvolatile memory card 2. FIG. 7-(2) shows a lower surface of the nonvolatile memory card 2. The nonvolatile memory card 2 can easily be pushed into and pulled out from the configuration conversion adapters (30, 60) by using the claw hook concave parts 38a and 38b.
FIG. 10-(2) is a plan view of the nonvolatile memory card 2 of a second embodiment of the present invention. The memory card of the second embodiment is substantially identical to the memory card of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, parts that are the same as the parts of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted.
FIG. 10-(1) is a plan view of a conventional XD card for comparison. In a plane surface of the conventional XD card where the XD interface 6 is provided, the claw hook projection 40′ is provided at an edge part facing the edge part where the XD interface 6 exists, as a standard. This claw hook projection 40′ supports attachment and detachment of the XD interface 6. If the SD·MS interface 4 shown in
However, in the SD card conversion adapter 30 shown in
Since the cut-off part 50 of the SD card conversion adapter 30 shown in
FIG. 10-(3) is a bottom view of another modified example of the nonvolatile memory card 2 of the second embodiment of the present invention. The claw hook projection is not provided in the nonvolatile memory card 2 shown in FIG. 10-(3). It is not necessary to provide the cut-off part shown in
Therefore, in the nonvolatile memory card 2, a concave part 42 is provided in a part where the claw hook projection is removed and in the vicinity of the part. Because of this, ease and convenience at the time when the nonvolatile memory card 2 is pushed into and is pulled out from the XD card slot can be maintained.
In the nonvolatile memory card 2 of the third embodiment of the present invention, a concave part 44 is provided so as to prevent relative position shift between the nonvolatile memory card 2 and the configuration conversion adapter (30, 60). The concave part 44 is, as shown in
FIG. 14-(2) and FIG. 15-(2) show a state where the nonvolatile memory card 2 has been inserted in the configuration conversion adapter (30, 60). FIG. 14-(1) and FIG. 15-(2) show a state after the nonvolatile memory card 2 is inserted in the configuration conversion adapter (30, 60). When the nonvolatile memory card 2 is inserted in the configuration conversion adapter (30, 60), the stopper 46 having the flexibility and elasticity is engaged with the concave part 44. Because of this, it is possible to prevent the nonvolatile memory card 2 from unintentionally being let out from the configuration conversion adapter (30, 60).
According to the above-discussed embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a nonvolatile memory card, including: interface parts for plural kinds of memory cards; interface controllers corresponding to the interface parts for corresponding memory cards; and a switch configured to select a single one of the interface controllers.
In the nonvolatile memory card, at least a single setting portion of the plural kinds of the interface parts may be hollowed out from a surface of a main body of the memory card. At least a single setting portion of the plural kinds of the interface parts and a part connecting from the setting portion to an edge part may be hollowed out from a surface of a main body of the memory card.
The nonvolatile memory card may further include a protection plate for at least a single one of the interface parts; wherein the protection plate is slid by manual force so that the interface part is exposed or hidden. The nonvolatile memory card may further include a protection plate for at least a single one of the interface parts; wherein the protection plate may be slid by an internal structure of a configuration conversion adapter and may expose the interface when a main body of the memory card is inserted in the configuration conversion adapter; and the protection plate may be energized by the protection plate itself and an upper surface of the main body of the memory card so as to hide the interface when the main body of the memory card is not inserted in the configuration conversion adapter. In the nonvolatile memory card, a concave part may be formed on a surface of a main body of the memory card so that the memory card can be taken in or out of a configuration conversion adapter at the time of use.
According to the above-discussed embodiments of the present invention, it is also possible to provide a configuration conversion adapter, including: a cut-off part configured to expose a claw hook concave part when a nonvolatile memory card is inserted; the nonvolatile memory card including interface parts for plural kinds of memory cards; interface controllers corresponding to the interface parts for corresponding memory cards; and a switch configured to select a single interface controller; wherein at least a single setting portion of the plural kinds of the interface parts is hollowed out from a surface of a main body of the memory card and a concave part is formed on a surface so that the main body of the memory card can be taken in or out of a configuration conversion adapter at the time of use.
According to the above-discussed embodiments of the present invention, it is also possible to provide a configuration conversion adapter, including: a switch selector configured to control a switch of a nonvolatile memory card; the nonvolatile memory card including interface parts for plural kinds of memory cards; and interface controllers corresponding to the interface parts for corresponding memory cards; wherein the switch selects a single interface controller. cards; interface controllers corresponding to the interface parts for corresponding memory cards; and a switch configured to select a single one of the interface controllers.
In the nonvolatile memory card, a concave part may be provided in the vicinity of the claw hook projection so as to assist attachment or detachment using the claw hook projection.
In the nonvolatile memory card, a concave part for a stopper configured to prevent a relative position shift with a configuration conversion adapter may be formed at an edge part coming in contact with an internal side surface of the configuration conversion adapter.
In the nonvolatile memory card, the stopper may be formed at an internal side surface as corresponding to a concave part of a memory card main body.
The present invention is not limited to the above-discussed embodiments, but variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
This patent application is based on Japanese Priority Patent Application No. 2005-192054 filed on Jun. 30, 2005, the entire contents of which are
According to the above-discussed embodiments of the present invention, it is also possible to provide a configuration conversion adapter, including: a cut-off part configured to receive a claw hook projection for assisting attachment or detachment of an interface part for a certain kind of a memory card; wherein the adapter is used for an interface part for a different kind of the memory card of a nonvolatile memory card; the nonvolatile memory card including: interface parts for plural kinds of memory cards; interface controllers corresponding to the interface parts for corresponding memory cards; and a switch configured to select a single interface controller.
In the nonvolatile memory card, a claw hook projection may be formed as corresponding to a cut-off part of a configuration conversion adapter; the configuration conversion adapter including: the cut-off part configured to receive the claw hook projection for assisting attachment or detachment of an interface part a certain kind of a memory card; wherein the adapter is used for an interface part for a different kind of the memory card of the nonvolatile memory card; the nonvolatile memory card including: interface parts for plural kinds of memory hereby incorporated by reference.
| Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
| 8639860, | Mar 14 2011 | Ricoh Company, LTD | Data transfer system and data transfer method |
| 9101057, | Jan 17 2013 | Skymedi Corporation | Micro secure digital adapter |
| Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
| 4926034, | Mar 27 1987 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Connector in external device for connection to IC card |
| 5745102, | Apr 25 1995 | Electro-optical display for a digital data storage device | |
| 6476817, | Jun 03 1999 | Xerox Corporation | Removable media, such as a floppy disk or videocassette, having associated display |
| 6616053, | Jun 04 1997 | Sony Corporation | Memory card, and receptacle for same |
| 7535718, | Aug 20 2003 | Imation Corp. | Memory card compatible with multiple connector standards |
| 20030116624, | |||
| 20040070952, | |||
| JP2002158992, | |||
| JP200232715, | |||
| JP200273522, | |||
| JP2003186582, | |||
| JP2003196603, | |||
| JP2004252672, | |||
| JP2005108525, | |||
| JP3102396, | |||
| JP5074527, | |||
| JP63239095, | |||
| WO184490, | |||
| WO2004034318, |
| Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
| Jun 09 2006 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
| Dec 26 2006 | ADACHI, MASAHARU | Ricoh Company, LTD | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 018997 | /0302 | |
| Oct 01 2014 | Ricoh Company, LTD | RICOH ELECTRONIC DEVICES CO , LTD | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 035011 | /0219 |
| Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
| Feb 15 2011 | ASPN: Payor Number Assigned. |
| Jul 24 2014 | M1551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Year, Large Entity. |
| Sep 24 2018 | REM: Maintenance Fee Reminder Mailed. |
| Mar 11 2019 | EXP: Patent Expired for Failure to Pay Maintenance Fees. |
| Date | Maintenance Schedule |
| Feb 01 2014 | 4 years fee payment window open |
| Aug 01 2014 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
| Feb 01 2015 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
| Feb 01 2017 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
| Feb 01 2018 | 8 years fee payment window open |
| Aug 01 2018 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
| Feb 01 2019 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
| Feb 01 2021 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
| Feb 01 2022 | 12 years fee payment window open |
| Aug 01 2022 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
| Feb 01 2023 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
| Feb 01 2025 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |